Coats for Kids underway, GivingTuesday coming Dec. 3
BINGEN — Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) was pleasantly surprised by $35,000 in early annual fundraising donations this month presented by two local banks, helping the Community Action Agency jump-start its end-of-year fundraising campaign.
“We are so grateful to both 1st Security Bank and First Interstate Bank for their generosity,” said Jennifer Pauletto, WAGAP’s executive director. “It shows the commitment these teams and their corporations have to local communities where they conduct business.”
The two banks preempted the official WAGAP announcement announcing the goal of raising $100,000 in local contributions through the end of January. The nonprofit serves low-income individuals and families in Skamania and Klickitat counties with various programs, including food, shelter, housing, energy assistance, care coordination, and more.
1st Security Bank donated $7,500 each to the Bingen and Goldendale Food Banks for a total of $15,000. First Interstate Bank presented $20,000 to WAGAP’s main office in Bingen to support the discretionary fund. This allows the agency to fill gaps for people in need when grant funding is limited to specific purposes and a request falls outside those allowable uses.
“WAGAP’s Food Bank Network is challenged to meet demands of food instability throughout the year,” said Janeal Booren, director of nutrition programs. “In 2023, our programs delivered over 16,000 food boxes with quality produce, proteins, and dairy to supplement shelf-stable options. We are grateful for any additional funding that helps our sites meet the needs for lasting, healthy, and user-friendly options.”
Pauletto said housing programs also need flexibility on occasion to help people push through challenging living conditions and situations. “At times, clients need help paying fees or bills not covered by grant programs to maintain their leases and avoid eviction,” Pauletto said. “The flexibility that our end-of-year fundraising gives us to respond to these needs is essential to keeping a roof over the heads of families, especially during the winter months.”
The organization's giving campaign season will officially kick off during Thanksgiving week. In addition to financial contributions, other donations are also welcome and encouraged. Coats for Kids is underway through December for new and like-new coats to be donated for children on both sides of the Columbia River and is arranged in collaboration with area partners like Insitu, The Next Door, Inc., and Mid-Columbia Community Action Council.
WAGAP is also starting Two for GivingTuesday activities beginning Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Global Day of Giving.
“Once again, we are inviting community members to stop by Stevenson, Bingen, and Goldendale Housing offices to say hello and pick up two free WAGAP shopping bags,” said Jennifer Pauletto, executive director. “The first bag is for them to keep, and we ask that the second bag be returned filled with items that support WAGAP programs for those in need.”
The bags will be available ongoing and include lists of the top items requested for the Food Bank Network, as well as things most in need for emergency housing and domestic violence assistance programs.
All donated items in both lists below must be new, unopened, and in original wrapping.
Food items in need:
- Canned meats,
- Canned and dried fruits,
- Canned vegetables,
- Canned and dried beans,
- Canned stew, chili, soups and broths,
- Pasta, rice, cereal, and cornmeal,
- Cooking and olive oils,
- Canned tomato products,
- Spices and sauces.
Non-food items in need:
- New and unopened toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, bar soap, deodorant, and make-up removal wipes,
- Feminine hygiene products like tampons and pads,
- Diapers (sizes 3/4/5 needed most),
- Socks and gloves,
- Sets of full-size sheets,
- Dish towels/cloths,
- Bath towels/washcloths,
- Laundry detergent/pods,
- Dish soap,
- Clorox wipes.
“Supporting families is key to our communities’ success,” Pauletto said. “Providing simple items on the most needed lists helps people to maintain their dignity during difficult times.”
WAGAP bags can be picked up and returned at three WAGAP offices. In Bingen at 115 W Steuben Street, Stevenson at 683 Rock Creek Drive, and the Goldendale Housing Office at 150 W Main Street. For more information, call 509-493-2662 extension 200 during regular business hours.
“There are so many opportunities to help,” Pauletto said. “We encourage everyone to participate in GivingTuesday and share their generosity throughout the year. We are so thankful to everyone who helps their neighbors when times are tough.”
To make financial donations or learn more about WAGAP’s programs and volunteer opportunities, visit the website https://www.wagap.org/.
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